Sponsored Visas (subclass 176)
The Skilled - Sponsored visa is a permanent visa. If you are unable to meet the Skilled - Independent pass mark the Skilled - Sponsored visa may be appropriate. To apply, you must be either:
- sponsored by a relative who is eligible, and lives in Australia, or
- nominated by a State government or Territory government.
You will also need to pass a points based test to qualify for a subclass 176 visa. The points based test for a Skilled - Sponsored visa has a more achievable requirement than the Skilled - Independent visa.
Eligibility
Visa eligibility is based on a points system. You will qualify with 100 points. You must also pass character and health requirements. If you score 80 points, you will be placed in a reserve pool.
In order to be eligible for a Skilled - Sponsored visa, you must meet specific requirements.
You must be under the age of 45. You must be sponsored by either:
- a relative who is eligible and lives in Australia, or
- a state government or territory government.
You need to apply for an occupation that is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). In addition, you will also need to provide a skills assessment. The skills assessment will be available from the relevant assessing authority. This will depend on your nominated occupation.
You also need to satisfy the English language threshold of competent English. If your nominated occupation is a trade, you need to satisfy the English language threshold of vocational English.
To qualify for a Skilled - Sponsored visa, you will also need to have either:
- been employed for half of the most recent 24 months. Your employment will need to have been in an occupation on the SOL, or
- met the 2 year study requirement during the last 6 months with Australian qualifications. Such qualifications need to be related to your nominated occupation.
